Pet wellness exams are vital for maintaining your pet’s health and well-being. These exams allow your veterinarian to monitor your pet’s growth and development while checking for potential health concerns. Desert Forest Animal Hospital in Cave Creek, AZ, performs wellness exams for pet patients across New River, North Scottsdale, Carefree, and Desert Mountain, AZ. Learn more about the importance of pet wellness exams and what to expect when you bring your pet in for one.
The Importance of Pet Wellness Exams
Wellness exams are essential to effective pet care since they help identify problems early on before they lead to significant health complications in the future. Doing so allows for prompt treatment of conditions, which results in more successful and less expensive treatment. The exam includes your veterinarian assessing your pet’s health, observing its behavior, performing a physical examination, and doing laboratory testing. Vaccinations are also part of most wellness exams.
How Often Are Wellness Exams Needed?
Dogs and cats need monthly wellness exams for the first six months of life. Your pet then requires a wellness exam yearly until it reaches senior status. After reaching seniority, your pet needs wellness exams every six months. However, the timeline will vary based on your pet’s health and breed. For example, larger dogs become seniors more quickly than smaller dogs and need more frequent wellness exams.
What Happens During a Wellness Exam?
Wellness exams check your pet’s overall health and monitor its development, working similarly to annual physicals for humans. Core components of wellness exams include the following:
• Physical Measurements: Your veterinarian will evaluate your pet's height, weight, heart and respiration rates, and temperature. They will compare them to your pet's history to determine if any changes warrant concern.
• Your Observations: Your veterinarian listens to your observations, concerns, and information about your pet's diet and behavior.
• Behavioral Observation: Examine your pet's stance, gait, reaction times, vitality, and disposition throughout the exam.
• Physical Exam: Check your pet's coat, skin, and body surfaces. Your veterinarian listens to your pet’s heart and lungs and examines the eyes and ears. A hands-on exam assesses the internal organs, rectum, limbs, and tail.
• Lab Tests: General screening, targeted lab tests, or X-rays based on the pet's history and issues spotted during the wellness exam.
• Prevention: Your veterinarian will provide preventative care during a wellness exam, such as vaccines, flea and tick preventatives, and medications.
• Dental Cleaning: Your veterinarian will examine your pet’s teeth to check for decay. They can then provide teeth cleanings to remove plaque and tartar buildup.
Protect Your Pet’s Health and Happiness by Scheduling a Wellness Exam Today
Wellness exams are crucial for maintaining your pet’s health and well-being, so contact Desert Forest Animal Hospital in Cave Creek, AZ, to schedule your pet’s wellness exam today. We serve pet patients across New River, North Scottsdale, Carefree, and Desert Mountain, AZ, so call us and schedule an appointment today at (480) 488-2010 to ensure your pet lives a long, healthy life.